Braves sign 16-year-old

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves have signed a 16-year-old pitcher from Colombia who was rated as the top available international free agent.

Baseball America ranks right-hander Julio Teheran, who signed with the Braves on Tuesday, as the top international free agent.

The 6-foot-2 Teheran throws a fastball timed at 90 to 93 mph, but some scouts say his best pitch is his changeup. Johnny Almaraz, the Braves' director of Latin American operations, called Teheran a "very significant signing" for the team.

"He has outstanding makeup and the combination of his pitching ability and the quality of his pitches made him one of the top pitching prospects we've seen in a while," Almaraz said.

LOS ANGELES - John Smoltz will return to Atlanta on Thursday and meet with Braves doctors about his right shoulder discomfort.

The 40-year-old pitcher will likely skip his final start before the All-Star break, which begins Monday. Smoltz will meet with doctors Friday to discuss what type of test is appropriate, the team said.

Smoltz (9-5, 3.07 ERA) was selected to his eighth NL All-Star team Sunday. The game is Tuesday in San Francisco.

A-Rod may skip All-Star game

NEW YORK - Alex Rodriguez hasn't decided whether he will play in Tuesday's All-Star game or use the three-day break to rest his strained hamstring.

The Yankees slugger, who leads the major leagues with 28 homers and 80 RBIs, topped fan voting for the game in San Francisco with 3.89 million votes. He hurt his left hamstring Monday night when he tripped over Twins first baseman Justin Morneau's ankle while beating out a potential double play.

"I told the guys I'll let them know Saturday ... but if I feel like this, probably not," Rodriguez said Wednesday. The third baseman added he would still go to the All-Star game even if he decides not to play.

Rodriguez remained in the game after injuring his hamstring and advanced to second, then came out. He went 0-for-4 with a strikeout Tuesday night but looked comfortable in the field, starting an important double play with a fine pickup on the backhand side.

Johjima could return to lineup soon

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A metal plate implanted in his right hand seven years ago probably saved Seattle catcher Kenji Johjima from what could have been a season-ending injury.

Wearing a thick bandage on the hand Wednesday, Johjima described the pain that shot through him when a pitched ball struck the plate on Tuesday as "like a sound," and said he was worried that it might have ended his career.

The hand immediately swelled up and he left the game. But manager John McLaren said Johjima was much better by Wednesday afternoon and would probably play today.

Sweeney to have arthroscopic surgery

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Mike Sweeney, who had hoped to get back in the Kansas City Royals' lineup this week, will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Thursday.

Sweeney, hitting .245 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs, has been dogged by injury since signing a $55 million contract five years ago. A vigorous offseason yoga program has kept him free of the back problems that had been plaguing him.

He went on the disabled list June 19 with right knee inflammation. The surgery will be performed by team physician Dr. Steven Joyce.

"We just don't know how long he might be out," said manager Buddy Bell.